Member Since: 12 Jan 2009
Location: East Yorkshire
Posts: 105
Detachable Towbar Question
Hi all,
I've just picked up my 2014 facelift car (need to update profile!) and I've noticed the removable towbar has the lock missing. Looks like it has been drilled out, when someone lost the key. Either that or it's been pinched and re-sold?!
Anyway, I see you can get the replacement handle and lock for circa £20 on fleabay, but there are two part numbers (KNW500010 and KNW500020 for the later ones). Out of curiosity, does anyone know the difference? Tow bar and the lock look identical to me.
Lastly, if I decide to bolt on one of the security plates (I tow a fairly hefty caravan in summer) - do I even need to replace the lock mentioned above? Could it be removed altogether? Happy for the towbar to be a permanent fixture, but don't really want to change to a fixed bar if I can avoid it.
Cheers,
Rich.
2nd Oct 2017 1:15 pm
Steamyrotter
Member Since: 03 Jul 2017
Location: Somewhere near Somewhere else in Somerset
Posts: 117
Just go for a fixed..
Too much hassle to be worth it in my mind.
An issue with the detachable bar is the wear in the socket causing it to wobble.
I think you may still see some of this even with the plate as that is the only support the bar has got.
The fixed also links to the chassis members and stops the bar from moving anywhere.
I feel a lot more comfy towing my 1.75 tons of caravan around with that.
Failing that just weld the thing in!!If things were meant to be easy, then I will soon complicate them....
Please note...
Anything I say is only from my personal experience and knowledge..
I don't assume to know everything, and know there is a lot I don't know..
But then I could be talking .. O
2nd Oct 2017 1:19 pm
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2080
The later lock has a ratchet mechanism to stop the lever moving , I don't think it is interchangeable. I definitely would not use the hitch as is without the lock mechanism
2nd Oct 2017 1:20 pm
rich_959
Member Since: 12 Jan 2009
Location: East Yorkshire
Posts: 105
Thanks for the responses guys. Looks like a wise move to add the fixed towbar to the shopping list at some point. Wonder if the dealers are still honouring the replacement programme, or was that only if there movement in the one you've got?
2nd Oct 2017 1:41 pm
EMcC
Member Since: 10 Jul 2015
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 536
You could stick with the removable tow bar and get one of those 'Anti Theft' attachments that were/still are, advertised on this site some time ago.
I had one for a while, it is a U shaped bracket formed to fit under the removable hook and when bolted on is as solid as a fixed tow bar could ever be,
2nd Oct 2017 1:51 pm
rich_959
Member Since: 12 Jan 2009
Location: East Yorkshire
Posts: 105
Thanks EMcC - that security plate thingamyjig (technical term) is what I was referring to on my original post. Seen them on fleabay for £28.
I'll speak to the dealer when I ask them to replace the broken lock on the towbar, or whether they'll swap it for a fixed bar, then go from there.
2nd Oct 2017 2:16 pm
EMcC
Member Since: 10 Jul 2015
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 536
The dealer will recommend a fixed bar as it will cost a lot more than the 'Thingamyjig'
I didn't realise they sold them on E bay !
Just had a look on E Bay and can't find them on there but probably because I don't know what they would be called !!
It is a U shaped bracket that when screwed up tight underneath the removable hook prevents the hook going anywhere !!
If I could find one on E bay at the price you mention I'd get another.
2nd Oct 2017 3:31 pm
rich_959
Member Since: 12 Jan 2009
Location: East Yorkshire
Posts: 105
Member Since: 10 Jul 2015
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 536
Yep, that's the one.
I've now got one on order and intend to make my 'removable' hook permanent.
As the two holes in the mount are used to secure it, I will get a mate to either make a plate or find some other way of connecting the 'snatch' cable to the vehicle.
The permanent hook will also give me a bit more 'leeway' when reversing as I cannot trust the bleep bleep method !!
2nd Oct 2017 4:24 pm
rich_959
Member Since: 12 Jan 2009
Location: East Yorkshire
Posts: 105
I've ordered one also, and a handful of bolts/washers. The seller will have a rush on.
I can imagine I'll end up painting it with some sort of black rust-preventing paint.
By snatch-cable, do you mean the breakaway cable for caravans/trailers? I thought you just looped that over the neck of the tow bar and clipped it onto itself (that's what I did with my old Volvo) or am I making some fatal error with my towing?
2nd Oct 2017 5:24 pm
Brooksie69
Member Since: 09 Jun 2014
Location: Wigan
Posts: 168
The u plate is made from 8mm stainless steel so will not rust.
The brakeaway must be secured away from the towball I read somewhere that that was a requirement from VOSA there is a eye attachment that is the best place as this is part of the bumper.
Hope this helps.
...........One life live it..........
2nd Oct 2017 5:31 pm
rich_959
Member Since: 12 Jan 2009
Location: East Yorkshire
Posts: 105
Thanks Brooksie, you live and learn!
2nd Oct 2017 5:33 pm
Brooksie69
Member Since: 09 Jun 2014
Location: Wigan
Posts: 168
...........One life live it..........
2nd Oct 2017 5:35 pm
dgardel
Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: Greater Venice
Posts: 2025
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